A window that opens inward, which requires curtains, does not have to be a design dilemma. Consider what you need the curtains to do and find the application that fits this need. A few innovations in the window hardware department allow you several alternatives to accomplish your design and functional needs.

Gathered Curtains

You can mount the hardware for a gathered curtain directly onto the window frame. Gathered headings are stationary and are typically tied back to expose the window because there may not be room for a pleated curtain that opens and closes. A French door, for example, lends itself well to this; the window glass is set into a wood frame. Choose hardware that can be attached to wood and consider the thickness of the door. Choose screws at least 1/4-inch shorter than the thickness of the door to avoid puncturing the outer door surface. Do not mount the hardware closer than 1 1/2 inches from the glass to avoid hitting the glass inside the door frame. If the window is in a metal door, consider magnetic gathered-heading hardware.

Draw Curtains

Any curtain system that mounts to the wall can accommodate an inward-opening window if you make the curtain longer than the window is tall and wider than the window width, leaving room to open the window when the curtain is drawn back. You can match your curtain style to your room decor, and use the decorative rod of your choice. Add 30 percent to the window width for the rod length and finished curtain width to allow the curtains to move off the window completely when open. For example, if the window is 60 inches wide, use curtains and rod at least 78 inches wide.

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Shades and Blinds

Shades or blinds mounted above the window frame allow a window to open inward when the shade or blind is drawn up fully. Add about 15 percent to the length of the window for the extra blind length required for this stacking. Some blinds stack up to a smaller space than others; check with your blind retailer for the exact amount. For example, a 2 1/2-inch slatted wood blind 48 inches long stacks up to about 7 inches, whereas a honeycomb blind the same length would stack up to about 2 1/2 inches

Swing Arms for Stationary Panels

Swing arms are rods that attach to the wall beside the window or the window frame itself and swing open into the room. The end of the rod sits in a swivel bracket that allows the rod to move 180 degrees. It swings just like a door. The advantage of this rod is that it does not require any wall space for mounting, although it can be mounted beside the window if you choose. The curtain on these rods is typically a free-hanging gathered heading, grommet or tab-top panel. The opening and closing of the curtain happens by swinging the rod away from the window. This is the solution for inward-opening windows in an alcove, or for a window that sits between cupboards with no wall space between.

Door Swing Hardware

If your inward-opening door or window is part of a wall of windows, or a bay window, for example, you may want to continue the established window treatment across the inward-opening section. You can do this with door swing hardware. This hardware allows you to choose your design style and coordinating hardware, and mount it on the inward-opening section of the window wall. When closed, the inward-opening section blends into the other sections -- it is not evident that one section opens inward. This is particularly well suited to the dilemma of two side windows flanking French doors that open inward.

Curtain Alternative

Remember that just because you have a window, does not mean you have to cover it. Your needs should be considered first. If privacy is your concern, consider a "wallpaper for windows" type of product. This is a film applied to the inside of the window; it cuts the view-through based on the style and opacity rating of the film, but still allows light transfer. It is easily applied and easily removed -- perfect for a rental home. It’s available at most large home DIY stores in the window covering department.

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About the Author

Linda Erlam started writing educational manuals in 1979. She also writes a biweekly newspaper column, "Design Dilemmas," in the "Lakeshore News" and has been published in "Design and Drapery Pro" magazine. Erlam is a graduate of the Sheffield School of Interior Design and is a practicing interior decorator and drapery workroom operator.